South Whidbey preparing for postseason / Little League

By Jim Waller • May 24, 2019 1:30 am
South Whidbey shortstop Jaden Adragna (29) — donning traditional high-stirrup socks — dives in an attempt to tag a Central Whidbey base runner Wednesday. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)
South Whidbey shortstop Jaden Adragna (29) — donning traditional high-stirrup socks — dives in an attempt to tag a Central Whidbey base runner Wednesday. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

South Whidbey Little League wrapped up the regular season this week, and its teams are now preparing for tournament play.

SWLL hosts its sixth annual Henry Pope Tournament for minor leaguers beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29. The championship game is slated for noon Saturday, June. 1.

The South Whidbey Dodgers and Nationals, Central Whidbey Minors and North Whidbey Mariners are scheduled to take part.

“We are so proud to be able to honor the Pope family in this way, as all of their kids grew up with South Whidbey Little League,” Olivia Batchelor, SWLL player agent, said.

The South Whidbey Athletics (11-0), unbeaten going into their final league game Thursday (results were not available at press time), will play in the major league Andrade Tournament beginning Friday, May 31, in Oak Harbor.

All-star play starts Saturday, June 8, and South Whidbey will host two of the tournaments, minor league baseball (June 21) and minor league softball (June 8).

South Whidbey Little League is in the midst of a raffle, which will run through the end of the all-star tournaments, to raise money for the organization.

For $5, one can enter for chance to win a seven-night stay in a Maui condominium.

For $1, participants can enter raffles for a Simply Nails gift certificate, a session with Shonda Hilton Photography, a Jose Altuve signed baseball, Benji Molina-signed gear and ball or a gift basket from Isagenix Products.

Tickets can be purchased at the SWLL concession stand.

Connor Bartel fires a pitch for the South Whidbey Athletics. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Connor Bartel fires a pitch for the South Whidbey Athletics. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Cohan Criswell attacks a pitch in Wednesday’s game.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Cohan Criswell attacks a pitch in Wednesday’s game. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Malachi Pierson (17) slides by the tag to score a run for the South Whidbey Athletics.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Malachi Pierson (17) slides by the tag to score a run for the South Whidbey Athletics. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)